Genital warts are usually caused by HPV types 6 and 11. Treatments include patient-applied topicals (podofilox, imiquimod, sinecatechins) and provider procedures (cryotherapy, TCA, excision). Interferon injections were used historically but are rarely used today. Recurrence is common. Pregnancy affects treatment choice, and HPV vaccination prevents most wart cases.

What causes genital warts and why treat them?

Genital warts are skin growths caused mainly by human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6 and 11. They are usually benign but can recur after treatment. Some HPV types (not the wart types) are associated with cancer, and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (laryngeal HPV) can be serious in rare cases.

Categories of treatments

Treatment options fall into two groups: patient-applied topical medicines and provider-administered procedures. Choice depends on wart size, number, location, pregnancy status, and patient preference.

Patient-applied topicals

  • Podofilox 0.5% (Condylox) - an antimitotic topical that destroys visible wart tissue. It is applied by the patient to external genital and perianal warts.
  • Imiquimod 5% cream (Aldara) - an immune-response modifier that stimulates local cytokine production (including interferon) via TLR7 activation; it helps the immune system clear warts.
  • Sinecatechins 15% ointment (green tea extract) - a botanical topical approved previously for external genital warts.
Note: Podophyllin resin (a crude plant extract) has been used historically but is less commonly recommended because of variable concentrations and application risks.

Provider-administered procedures

  • Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen, surgical excision, electrosurgery, or chemical ablation with trichloroacetic acid (TCA) effectively remove visible warts.
  • Intralesional or systemic interferons were used for refractory cases in the past but are rarely used now because of limited benefits and systemic side effects. 1

Effectiveness and recurrence

No treatment guarantees permanent removal. Recurrence is common because treatments remove visible warts but not necessarily the underlying HPV infection. Follow-up and retreatment are often necessary.

Special situations: pregnancy and prevention

  • Pregnancy changes treatment choices. Some topical agents are contraindicated or not recommended in pregnancy; cryotherapy and surgical removal are commonly preferred for symptomatic lesions. 2
  • HPV vaccination (currently a multivalent vaccine covering HPV 6 and 11 as well as high-risk types) prevents most cases of genital warts when given before exposure to the virus. The CDC recommends routine vaccination for preteens, with catch-up and shared decision-making options for older age groups.

Practical advice

Discuss options with a clinician who can consider wart location, pregnancy, immune status, and patient preference. Treatments aim to remove visible disease and reduce symptoms; vaccination and safer sexual practices help prevent new infections.

  1. Confirm current market availability and regulatory status of sinecatechins (Veregen) in the U.S. and other major markets.
  2. Verify current FDA and guideline status of interferon injections for refractory condyloma acuminata.
  3. Confirm up-to-date recommendations on use/avoidance of podofilox, podophyllin, and imiquimod during pregnancy (CDC or specialty society guidance).

FAQs about Medicine For Genital Warts

What causes genital warts?
Genital warts are caused mainly by human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6 and 11, which produce skin growths on external genitalia, perianal skin, and sometimes mucosal surfaces.
Which medicines can I apply at home for genital warts?
Common patient-applied medicines include podofilox 0.5% solution/gel, imiquimod 5% cream, and sinecatechins 15% ointment (a botanical). Each has different instructions and side effects; a clinician can advise which fits your situation.
Are clinic procedures better than topical creams?
Neither is uniformly superior. Clinic procedures (cryotherapy, TCA, excision) give immediate removal of visible warts, while topicals may be used for multiple or hard-to-reach lesions. Recurrence can occur with either approach.
Can genital warts come back after treatment?
Yes. Recurrence is common because treatments remove visible warts but may not eliminate the underlying HPV infection. Follow-up and retreatment are often needed.
How can I prevent genital warts?
Vaccination with the HPV vaccine (which covers HPV 6 and 11) prevents most genital wart cases when given before exposure. Using condoms reduces but does not eliminate risk; vaccination is the most effective prevention.

News about Medicine For Genital Warts

How to Treat Warts at Home and in the Clinic - University of Utah Health [Visit Site | Read More]

Genital Warts Market Size to Reach USD 1,435.0 Million by 2035, Impelled by Advancements in Gene Therapy and Personalized Medicine - BioSpace [Visit Site | Read More]

It's Not Genital Warts: A Clinician's Guide to Reassuring Men's Genital Concerns - Dermatology Times [Visit Site | Read More]

A Comprehensive Review of Biologically Active Natural Products on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) at a Glance - Wiley Online Library [Visit Site | Read More]